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Back to Square One
Back to Square One English, baby! Video Lesson

Learn English meaning of 'back to square one'

Date: Aug 11 2015

Themes: Friend, Soap Opera

Grammar: Count and Noncount Nouns

Intro

1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.

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2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.

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The board game “Monopoly” is played around the world. First made in 1903 in the US, today it’s sold in 103 countries and 37 languages! The first square, “Go,” is where all players begin. In “Monopoly,” players want to return to that first square because that earns them money. But in most board games, if you go back to square one, you have to begin the game again.

When life makes you go back to square one, it can feel frustrating. For example, you might spend hours writing a paper for school on your computer, and then your computer stops working. The paper is gone, so it’s back to square one. Or you might be making your favorite cake and put a cup of salt into the bowl instead of sugar. It won’t taste good now, so you need to go back to square one.

Sara feels like she has to go back to square one. But why? Find out more in today’s English lesson about starting over.

3. Watch - Watch the video without reading the dialog.

Dialog

1. Listen and Read - Listen to the audio and read the dialog at the same time.

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2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.

Marni

Marni

Sara_R

Sara_R

Marni:  So, when was the last time you saw Kellie?

Sara_R:  Two days ago. We have very different schedules, though, so…

Marni:  Are you worried?

Sara_R:  It’s just that she hasn’t used any of the dishes, and her bed hasn’t been slept in. It’s weird.

Marni:  Maybe she has a new boyfriend?

Sara_R:  Maybe.

Marni:  There’s an envelope over there with your name on it.

Sara_R:  Oh my gosh. “Dear Sara, I know this will be a big shock for you, but I’m flying to France this afternoon. My grandmother died, and I’m meeting my family in Nice for the funeral. She owned a winery, and I’m next in line to take over the business. I hope you can forgive me for leaving you without a roommate. Enclosed is a check for two months’ rent. All the best, Kellie”

Marni:  France? A winery? This is crazy!

Sara_R:  Kellie was my dream roommate. Now I’m back to square one! It’s an amazing opportunity, and I’m happy for her, but…

Marni:  A winery in France? Talk about going back to square one! Does she even know anything about wine?

Sara_R:  I have no idea. Do you know anyone who needs a roommate?

 

Grammar Point

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Quizzes

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Lesson MP3

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Discussion

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Sara’s worried about Kellie. She hasn’t seen her in two days, and it seems like Kellie hasn’t been at home. While Sara doesn’t see her roommate that often, she still thinks it’s strange that they haven’t spoken or seen each other for so long.

Marni sees an envelope on a chair in Sara’s apartment. The letter inside is from Kellie, saying that she’s going to France for her grandmother’s funeral. More importantly, Kellie is going to stay in France to work at the family winery. The business will be hers, which is a big change for Kellie and a bigger surprise to Sara and Marni. Now Sara will have to find a new roommate.

When did you feel like you had to go back to square one?

 

Comments

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s11211s

s11211s

Iran, Islamic Republic Of

Every one have been back to square in life and might will, in my opinion most of time it is difficult because your routine will change in these situations. Generally it is difficult, maybe it will be very good opportunity or not.

05:38 PM Aug 11 2015 |

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